VP Shettima warns South Africa of xenophobic attacks

Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that the Nigerian government will no longer tolerate any form of xenophobic or Afrophobic attacks against its citizens.

He also spoke out against the alleged humiliation and mistreatment of Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa.

The Vice President spoke in Luanda, Angola, shortly before his departure for Nigeria after representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).

He also reminded South Africans of Nigeria’s historic sacrifices and contributions to the liberation of South Africa, and said that those who benefited from such support should not embarrass Nigerians.

The Vice President said the government and people of Nigeria will no longer accept a situation where Nigerians are inhumane or subjected to degrading treatment.

“The government and people of Nigeria will no longer accept a situation where our people are inhumane and in a very, very unacceptable situation,” he said.

Shettima, however, stressed that Nigeria has no intention of engaging in confrontation with South Africa, and stressed that the Federal Government remains committed to resolving controversial issues through diplomacy, dialogue and constructive engagement.

The Vice President also urged the authorities in South Africa to exercise restraint in the enforcement of immigration laws, and emphasized that the enforcement of lawful immigration must not amount to a violation of the rights, dignity or safety of Nigerians and citizens of other African countries.

The Vice President then left Luanda for Nigeria after completing his meeting at the Extraordinary African Union Summit.